PORTLAND – Gregory Neil Merrill, 50, of Bethel, passed away with his loving family at his side on Friday, Oct. 19, at the Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He suffered a massive stroke from which he was unable to recover.

He was born in Rumford on Aug. 8, 1957, the son of M. Alberta (Merrill) Merrill and the late Neil Merrill. He graduated from Telstar Regional High School in 1975, and from Berlin Vocational/Technical College in 1978 with an associate degree in machine tool technology.

Greg loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and his German shorthair pointer, Bo.

He never met a stranger and was known for his generosity and willingness to go that extra step to help others.

He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Telstar athletic program and took particular delight in watching his daughter Elizabeth participate in softball and basketball.

He is survived by his mother, M. Alberta Merrill of Bethel; a daughter, Elizabeth and her mother, Sue Merrill, of Bethel; two daughters, Karissa and Kianna; and a granddaughter, Kaylynn, all of Augusta, Ga.

Greg leaves behind many friends who will miss his jokes and stories.

He was predeceased by his grandparents; and his father Neil.